Chennai, April 12: Sanju Samson's unbeaten 115 off 56 balls against Delhi Capitals was not just a match-winning innings-it was a record-laden masterclass that etched his name deeper into IPL history on Saturday (April 11) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium.
On a night when Chennai Super Kings finally opened their account in IPL 2026, Samson ensured the victory was defined as much by milestones as by the result itself.
The most significant of those was a franchise first. Samson became the first wicketkeeper to score a century for CSK in IPL history, a landmark moment for a team that has long been associated with legendary glovemen MS Dhoni until last season. In doing so, the Kerala cricketer - who made his CSK debut this year - also registered
the highest individual score by a CSK wicketkeeper, setting a new benchmark in the franchise's record books.
His century carried another layer of historical importance. Samson is now among a rare group of players to have scored IPL hundreds for three different franchises, underlining his adaptability and longevity across teams and conditions. It is a feat achieved by very few in the league's history and highlights his evolution as a T20 batter.
The knock also elevated him in the all-time Indian charts. With this hundred, Samson now has four IPL centuries, placing him among the Indians with the most tons in the competition. It is a tally that reflects both consistency and the ability to play big innings under pressure.
Adding to the significance, Samson's ton was the first century of IPL 2026, setting the tone for the season and marking a turning point in CSK's campaign. His innings powered Chennai to 212/2, a total that proved decisive in their 23-run win.
Beyond individual records, the innings also ended a team drought. CSK not only secured their first win of the season but also their first home victory after six matches, making Samson's performance even more impactful in the broader context of the team's campaign. Historically, Chennai have dominated Delhi at Chepauk, and this win continued that trend, with CSK now winning eight of their last nine encounters against DC at the venue.
What stood out most, however, was the authority with which these milestones were achieved. Samson didn't just accumulate runs-he controlled the innings, accelerated when needed, and ensured his performance translated into a result.
In a tournament where moments often define momentum, Sanju Samson delivered one that combined history, impact, and timing-an innings that could well shape CSK's season going forward.
